The river cruise segment is abuzz with new developments. We will be covering all of them in the coming weeks and months, but as teasers, here are a few developments that river cruisers will be excited about.

• A Passage To India? You may not remember the movie, adapted from the book by E.M. Forster, but you don’t need to know either the book or the movie to appreciate India. Shrouded in mystery and steeped in intrigue, India is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. During my twenties, I spent 32 hours on a train from Calcutta to Bombay, as the cities were known then, and was mesmerized both by the landscape and the lifestyle along the tracks. Did I mention I traveled in second class? What an experience. Soon, if all goes according to plan, you’ll be able to cruise India with AmaWaterways – in first class. Company executives will travel to India in March to hammer out the details of a ship and itinerary they plan to launch in 2018.
• Out of Africa? A bit sooner than 2018, CroisiEurope launches cruises in Africa late next year. The company’s website currently lists nine-day trips from US$6,319 per person for programs that include cruising on the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, along with visits to Victoria Falls and with safaris to game parks. Not a lot of details on the ship just yet, but stay tuned. We’re as eager to see the plans as you are.
• Scenic and Emerald Cruises get a new VP of Sales & Marketing. So what? Well, it may just help you decide if Scenic or Emerald are right for you. In her new role, Joni Rein will be working to articulate the stories of both cruise companies. Certainly, with ships that are all pretty much the same width and length industry wide, some clarity is needed in the marketplace. We try our best here at River Cruise Advisor, but we welcome help, and we welcome Joni aboard. Plus, this just in: Bicycling & Boats: Scenic Partners With Trek Travel To Offer New Bike Program On Nine Departures
• Viking offers some enticing specials. Viking is offering a number of so-called “Choice” packages. On select cruises, choose from a free beverage package, $300 shipboard credit per stateroom or prepaid onboard gratuities. Add to that rates that begin at $1,699 per person plus air from $295. Some of Viking’s offers expire on December 31, 2016. And now for something completely different, if you haven’t cruised on Viking’s new ocean vessels, take a look. They are possibly the best ships afloat. Check out my story, 7 Reasons Why Viking Sea May Just Be The Best Ship Sailing – And 1 Reason Why It Is Not

http://www.avidcruiser.com/2016/05/06/viking-sea-best-ship/

We’ll also be covering new developments from Amadeus, Avalon, Crystal, Tauck, Uniworld and others in the weeks and months ahead. Stay tuned!